I hope you can talk her out of that. The walls are beautiful and there will be glue to remove and a price to pay if you ever want to go back. Most people are removing their paper not putting paper up. Many houses have dated paneling and don't look this nice around the fire place. I still think the middle area would look good grey to match the grey around the opening of the fire place. It would look like a visible chimney. I do like lofts/ industrial looks so this appeals more to me than some people. Show her pictures of red brick walls in loft studios and what they are doing with colors on the interior walls and she can get ideas of what color she wants. This probably sounds odd to you but I l like the dirty spot on the bricks. I wish some pros would weigh in.

I've been thinking of you,Fragle - I remember those sleepless nights when the babies first came home and everyone was sleep deprived but life-as -always still had to go on, esp for Mommy. So happy for you that you have a 'good' baby, I love the name too:-)

fragle0 ... congratulations on the new addition to your family. Have been following your lovely changes. You probably won't have time to work on the decor for a while. Just wanted to suggest that you try pulling the nesting tables forward to be more in line with front of the chairs & placing your floor lamp to the back of them. This will give a bit more light at night for reading in that area.Also switching the plant by the fireplace & the one on the corner by the sofa.

Adding width BEHIND THE BED - with a headboard (which doesn't have to be a "headboard"; it could be fabric, collection of mirrors, collection of pictures, a farm gate!, small chairs or stools) across the entire width. Matching bedside tables/bookcases/chests/ with LAMPS - useful storage for extra books, extra bedding, etc. CURTAINS always warm up a room. People will always feel colder away from home - provide an extra blanket or duvet to add to the bed. I notice there is no WARDROBE. Not really necessary for overnight guests (provide hooks on the back of the door) but useful for storing your out-of-season coats, etc. There is plenty of room behind the door. Buy one on eBay and paint it to suit your colour scheme.